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The Republican presidential primary race is getting more contentious by the minute. The four remaining candidates – Mitt Romney, Newt Gingrich, newly-crowned Iowa winner Rick Santorum, and Ron Paul – faced one another onstage on Thursday night in a final showdown before the forthcoming South Carolina primary election.

The Charleston debate followed the announcements that Texas Governor Rick Perry was dropping out of the running and that Santorum actually won more votes than Romney in the Iowa caucus. According to polls, Gingrich experienced a surge of support in the Palmetto State going into the debate, so his performance was thus closely observed. This “first in the south” primary has traditionally determined which campaigns have what it takes to go the distance in the presidential race. With Perry now out, it remains to be seen who will renounce next.

WEIGH IN:

How influential is South Carolina when it comes to weeding out weak presidential campaigns? How realistic are Gingrich’s chances of winning over Romney?

Guest:

Bill Schneider, resident fellow at Third Way, a think tank in Washington; former political analyst for CNN and the Los Angeles Times

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Patt Morrison is a live two-hour public affairs show. The program is known for its innovative discussions of local politics and culture, and for its presentation of national and world news as it affects Southern California.